FOOTBALL: George is on the ball for United

GEORGE Stockton, from Blandford, has been selected from thousands of other hopefuls to play for Manchester United Deaf Team.

Stockton, 20, a student at UCFB Burnley, is a second year undergraduate and has been picked to play in the team’s monthly matches, which are supported by more than 1,000 fans.

Part of the Manchester United Foundation, Stockton’s selection follows a summer of training with the Team GB Deaf Men’s side.

Stockton’s dedication to the sport is mirrored in his decision to study for a degree in Football Business and Finance at UCFB after completing a BTEC National Diploma in sport at Gloucester-shire College.

His experience of playing for such a highly regarded team will ensure a fully rounded knowledge of the industry both on and off the pitch.

Stockton played his first match over the festive period, so despite being able to take a break from his studies he was still training hard with his team-mates as they played in the Greater Manchester Ability Counts Leagues.

Stockton said: “I have always been a huge football fan so to get to play for a team like this is amazing.

“The summer was filled with football, as I trained with Team GB’s deaf team, and it has been a really good grounding for joining this team and for learning what is expected of players.

“I have ambitions to play for Team GB in the future, so this is an opportunity for me to continue training and build upon the foundations made over the summer.

“I love going to watch live football so to play to a crowd of this size will be a dream come true.”

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Philip Wilson, Provost and chief executive at UCFB Burnley and Wembley, said: “It is fantastic when students are recognised for their love of football, not only within the walls of UCFB, but also in their life beyond their academic commitments.

“George’s love of the game has translated well into his studies and it is great that his commitment is also being recognised on the pitch.”

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